| Description |
1 online resource (streaming video file) (51 min. 16 sec.) ; 310392839 bytes |
| Summary |
Embark on a journey through a riot of colour, plumage and exotic behaviour deep within the forests of New Guinea as we go in search of the ultimate bird of paradise. Narrated by Sir David Attenborough, Birds of Paradise showcases what paradise has to offer from beautiful plumage to strange courtship rituals.New Guinea holds some of the wildest, least explored places on the planet and is covered in tropical forest, with an abundance of fruit and other food supplies. With no significant predators, the birds of paradise that live there have evolved in a super abundance of colour and plumes found no-where else on Earth. These birds have long fascinated Sir David Attenborough and he has made many trips to film them. This natural history documentary picks up where he left off, following two local experts, Paul Igag and Miriam Sumpa as they attempt to film as many of these birds as possible, in order to help protect them.The birds of paradise form an important part of the rituals and festivals of some of the tribes that live within the forests, as the plumes are used in headdresses at important festivals. Attending such a gathering, Paul and Miriam attempt to identify the array of feathers found in these tribal adornments, to work out which birds are most threatened by hunting.The displays are mesmerising - the appropriately named male Superb Bird of Paradise transforms his upper body into a reflective bowl of incandescent black and green feathers, while two bright green false eyes stare at the focus of his desire. The Lawes' parotia has a different strategy - he is a master of detail who meticulously moves leaves so that he can dance unimpeded. Rising up, he extends his feathered skirt and performs a dance that is the envy of any ballerina.However as development, such as mining and plantations, begins to hit New Guinea, there is an increased pressure on the forests and the birds living within them. Very little is known about the behaviours of the birds of New Guinea, and the research carried out by the team could prove vital when it comes to protecting them.PRODUCTION DETAILS:Tigress production for BBC. Producers: Harvey Jones and Jeremy Bradshaw |
| Notes |
Closed captioning in English |
| Event |
Broadcast 2010-12-05 at 19:30:00 |
| Notes |
Classification: G |
| Subject |
Adventure and adventurers.
|
|
Birds of paradise (Birds)
|
|
Birds of paradise (Birds) -- Behavior.
|
|
Birds -- Conservation.
|
|
Sexual selection in animals.
|
|
New Guinea.
|
| Form |
Streaming video
|
| Author |
Igag, Paul, contributor
|
|
Jones, Harvey, director
|
|
Sumpa, Miriam, contributor
|
|
